A Battle of Pride and Desire

Chapter Eighteen

Brigette, Taran, and the queen sat around the dining table in silence. The queen eyed the pair up as she took slow bites from her meal. Taran and Brigette were seated across from each other with the queen taking the position at the head of the table. Taran didn't balk though, just stared back at her. Brigette could see the food working its way down the queen's throat. The queen lifted her glass to her lips and closed her eyes, closing her senses for the first time since dinner began.

"You feel nervous, Brigette," she said after placing the glass on the table once more.

Brigette didn't answer, they both knew what she said was true.

"I have to say," the queen said nonchalantly. "I can't say I'm a fan of the influence you two have on each other. Do you realise you could have been killed?"

Brigette inhaled sharply, "Your Majesty."

"Don't speak when you have nothing to say for yourself, Brigette."

Brigette didn't speak.

"I take care of you, I house you, clothe you, feed you. And you dare to disrespect me in my own home?"

"Mother," Taran interjected. "Please, this is my fault."

"What is?" the queen chastised. "Tomás nearly dying, taking Brigette out when she's to stay at home, skipping lessons, talking with our subjects when we have a criminal in our home? Enlighten me, Taran, what is your fault?"

Taran didn't speak for a moment, not speaking until he had something to say, "All of it. It is all my fault. She was under my care, I should have known better. As for Tomás, he is also under my care as a citizen of Magmella. I should do better."

"Your Majesty," Brigette said. "Taran is not to blame for any of my wrongdoings. I'm my own person, I accept responsibility for my own actions - I was not coerced into anything."

The queen deliberated for a moment, "How lovely. You have become friends."

Brigette sensed the queen didn't find it as lovely as she was saying.

"And Brigette, would you like to apologise for keeping secrets from me?"

Brigette spluttered the drink she was taking, "Secrets?"

"Yes, secrets. Such as Juno coming to visit you, your revelations."

"How do you know about those? Did Taran tell you?"

Brigette glared at Taran.

"It matters not how I know. What matters is that you kept this from me."

"Your Majesty, I was going to tell you everything once Tomás was well. I swear it."

The queen paused for a moment, "You tell the truth."

A remark, not a question. Brigette only gave a slight nod, in case it actually was a question. The queen's beautiful features wore a sheet of icy steeliness. Her green eyes were sharp and daring, even with the exhaustion surrounding them, her orbs were alert. Although she may have been awake for days, she certainly hadn't smiled in that time. Of this, Brigette was certain.

"I do," Brigette said.

The queen stabbed at her food and Brigette took the time to look at Taran. His features were drawn tight so Brigette went inside.

'Don't worry,' she said. 'This is on me, I'll take the punishment.'

'She's really cross, Brigette. You can't just smile and get away with this.'

Brigette ignored the stab and gritted her teeth to face the queen once more, "Your Majesty, please know I am extremely sorry. I regret deceiving you and I promise, it won't happen again."